Traffic Collision in Rancho Cordova Injures Four
A traffic collision in Rancho Cordova on May 15 at approximately 8:00 p.m. left four people injured. The accident happened at the intersection of Coloma Road and Benita Drive not far from Pizza Hut. According to a representative of the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office, the collision involved three vehicles. The injured were transported to a local hospital for treatment of what are thought to be non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities believe that drugs or alcohol was a causative factor in the crash. All lanes were closed due to the traffic collision for about two hours before reopening.
Intersection Traffic Collisions
Traffic collisions are common at intersections. Annually, 2.5 million crashes happen at intersections. The complexity of an intersection makes the area ripe for traffic accidents. One of the most problematic occurrences is when drivers attempt a left-hand turn. As the motorist is turning left, they need to be aware of through traffic, pedestrians, and others in or entering the intersection. Intersections have their share of serious traffic collisions with almost 50 percent occurring there. It is common to see a driver running a red light and raising the risk of a traffic crash. The number of crashes due to ignoring a red light is reported at approximately 165,000 with about 800 ending in a fatality.
Types of Intersection Traffic Collisions
There are several common types of intersection traffic collisions. They are:
- Oncoming traffic: This is one of the most common. It usually occurs when the driver is turning against traffic such as a left-hand turn.
- Rear end collisions: This type of crash usually happens when the driver to the rear is distracted and does not realize the lead vehicle has stopped.
- Sideswipe crashes: Sideswipe traffic collisions usually happen when two cars are turning simultaneously.
- T-bone collisions: This commonly occurs when one driver is trying to run a red light or turning. It is problematic since the side panels offer little protection to the driver or passenger.
- Pedestrians and cyclists: Many unprotected walkers and bicyclists suffer traumatic injuries or death in an intersection. Speed affects the outcome. If the walker or cyclist is hit at 15 miles per hour, the chance of being seriously injured is 10 percent. However, if the driver is traveling at 32 mph, the risk of injury is 50 percent.
- Pedestrians and other vulnerable parties: Many pedestrians are killed at intersections. Watch when you turn left and right.
How to Protect Yourself in an Intersection
Here are some tips on how to protect yourself and others at an intersection:
- Drive as if someone’s life depended on it. It does.
- Be cognizant of other drivers, and anticipate their next move.
- Be as patient as possible. Trying to rush makes it more likely a traffic collision will happen.
- Don’t be distracted. Navigating an intersection requires total focus.
- Learn the rules as they pertain to intersections.
- Stop if an emergency vehicle is crossing an intersection with their lights on. If necessary, move to the side.
- Green lights do not mean go without looking. Instead, they simply mean proceed while being cautious. Even when the light turns green, take a few seconds, and look to see if anyone is in the crossroads.
- Never assume other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians will obey the rules of the road in intersections.
- Try to stop before the white line. Stopping in the area designated for walkers or cyclists defeats the purpose.
- Never approach the vehicle in front closely. If they are disabled, you would be trapped behind them.
- Be wary of drivers who look as if they are at the starting line of a race.
- Leave enough room between your vehicle and the one in front in case they slow down or stop.
- Obey the speed limit. Speeding through an intersection is a prescription for disaster.
- Remember, you must always yield to pedestrians whether they have the right to cross or not.
- Always use turn signals so others know where you are headed.
- Make sure your turn signals, brake lights, and headlights are in working order.
- If you see there is a backup, don’t enter the intersection. You might be stuck there when the light changes.
Rancho Cordova Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Rancho Cordova car accident lawyer. If you have been involved in an intersection accident, you need an experienced attorney who can investigate the crash. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach me online.
I’ve also helped Rancho Cordova residents receive the compensation they deserve in:
I am pleased to belong to the following organizations:
- The National Association of Distinguished Counsel: This organization rewards attorneys with membership only if they uphold the highest standards in their law practice.
- Million Dollar Advocates: This forum consists of lawyers who have won more than $1 million for a client.
Learn about my practice by using the following links:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/city-streets-bike-bicycle-guy-man-925223/
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